HESTA has appointed Jeff Brunton as head of portfolio management as the fund moves forward with its internalisation programme, joining on 26 July, 2021.
Brunton was previously chief investment officer (CIO) at AMP Life and then became deputy CIO at Resolution Life following the sale of AMP’s life insurance business.
The senior leadership hire was “essential” for the firm to support the fund’s goals of internalising its Australian equities function, said HESTA CIO Sonya Sawtell-Rickson. Brunton would lead the internal and implemented teams across its growth, defensive and unlisted asset classes.
Sawtell-Rickson said: “Our investment strategy is designed to deliver even stronger investment outcomes for members by improving the team’s capacity and capabilities while achieving cost efficiencies across a number of financial markets.
“Jeff brings a wealth of experience investing across a broad range of asset classes and leading direct asset management teams. His strong commercial acumen and real passion to drive investment outcomes for HESTA members is a fantastic addition to the team.”
Brunton said: “HESTA has demonstrated over many years a commitment to excellence in ‘bottom up’ portfolio management as part of its investment strategy. I’m looking forward to joining the HESTA team to support the Fund’s plans for strong investment growth and make a real difference to members’ retirement outcomes.”
